Thai situation: US calls for restraint

Voicing deep concern over the
situation in Thailand where 16 people were killed in anti-
government protests, the US has appealed to both the
authorities and agitators in the country to show restraint.

Washington: Voicing deep concern over the
situation in Thailand where 16 people were killed in anti-
government protests, the US has appealed to both the
authorities and agitators in the country to show restraint.

"We are deeply concerned about the situation on the
ground in Thailand. We continue to strongly encourage everyone
involved, everyone engaged to show restraint and to find a way
to work peacefully through these differences, and do so in a
way that strengthens democratic institutions," State
Department spokesman, P J Crowley, said.

The US embassy in Bangkok is expected to remain closed
till Monday as a precautionary measure, he said.

"I anticipate that our embassy will remain closed
through the weekend and probably Monday as well," he said in
response to a question.

Crowley`s remarks came as the death toll from the latest
clashes between the Thai army and anti-government "Red Shirt"
protesters hit 16. Over 100 people were also injured in the
clashes.